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{{infobox television
{{infobox television
| name = The City
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| runtime = 60 minutes
| runtime = 60 minutes
| creator = [[Pierre Sarrazin]]<br/>[[Suzette Couture]]
| creator = [[Pierre Sarrazin]]<br />[[Suzette Couture]]
| starring = [[Torri Higginson]]<br>[[John Ralston (actor)|John Ralston]]
| starring = [[Torri Higginson]]<br />[[John Ralston (actor)|John Ralston]]
| country = [[Canada]]
| country = [[Canada]]
| network = [[CTV Television Network|CTV]]
| network = [[CTV Television Network|CTV]]
| first_aired = March 7, 1999
| first_aired = {{start date|1999|3|7}}
| last_aired = June 23, 2000
| last_aired = {{end date|2000|6|23}}
| num_seasons = 2
| num_seasons = 2
| num_episodes = 33
| num_episodes = 33
}}
}}


'''''The City''''' is a [[Television in Canada|Canadian]] television drama series, created by [[Pierre Sarrazin]] and [[Suzette Couture]], which aired on [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] from 1999 to 2000.<ref name=atherton>Tony Atherton, "The City: just don't call it a soap opera: Sprawling series breaks rules for TV drama". ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'', March 6, 1999.</ref>
'''''The City''''' is a [[Television in Canada|Canadian]] television drama series, created by [[Pierre Sarrazin]] and [[Suzette Couture]], which aired on [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] from 1999 to 2000.<ref name=atherton>Tony Atherton, "The City: just don't call it a soap opera: Sprawling series breaks rules for TV drama". ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'', March 6, 1999.</ref>


Set in [[Toronto]], the series starred [[Torri Higginson]] as Katharine Strachan Berg, a society wife who gave up her career in law after marrying wealthy real estate developer Jack Berg ([[John Ralston (actor)|John Ralston]]).<ref name=atherton/> When her son Strachan (Matthew Lemche) is injured in a shooting in the debut episode, she becomes motivated to return to public life by running for a seat on [[Toronto City Council]], thus drawing her into contact with a diverse ensemble of characters representing many different aspects of the big city beyond the confines of her affluent [[Rosedale, Toronto|Rosedale]] life.<ref name=atherton/> In the show's second season, she has been successfully elected to a council seat, and must navigate the internal workings of [[Toronto City Hall]] to advocate for change.<ref>Dana Gee, "There are too many stories in The City". ''[[The Province]]'', November 26, 1999.</ref>
Set in [[Toronto]], the series starred [[Torri Higginson]] as Katharine Strachan Berg, a society wife who gave up her career in law after marrying wealthy real estate developer Jack Berg ([[John Ralston (actor)|John Ralston]]).<ref name=atherton/> When her son Strachan (Matt Lemche) is injured in a shooting in the debut episode, she becomes motivated to return to public life by running for a seat on [[Toronto City Council]], thus drawing her into contact with a diverse ensemble of characters representing many different aspects of the big city beyond the confines of her privileged and affluent [[Rosedale, Toronto|Rosedale]] life.<ref name=atherton/> In the show's second season, she has been elected to a council seat, and must navigate the internal workings of [[Toronto City Hall]] to advocate for change while also dealing with the breakdown of her marriage.<ref>Dana Gee, "There are too many stories in The City". ''[[The Province]]'', November 26, 1999.</ref>


The series was essentially a prime time [[soap opera]], although Sarrazin rejected that label because of its association with unrealistic and melodramatic plots, and instead compared the show's intentions to [[social realism|socially realistic]] antecedents such as ''[[The Bonfire of the Vanities]]'', ''[[Upstairs, Downstairs (1971 TV series)|Upstairs, Downstairs]]'' and the novels of [[Victor Hugo]].<ref name=atherton/>
The series was essentially a prime time [[soap opera]], although Sarrazin rejected that label because of its association with unrealistic and melodramatic plots, and instead compared the show's intentions to [[social realism|socially realistic]] antecedents such as ''[[The Bonfire of the Vanities]]'', ''[[Upstairs, Downstairs (1971 TV series)|Upstairs, Downstairs]]'' and the novels of [[Victor Hugo]].<ref name=atherton/>


The shooting of Strachan in the pilot was based on the real [[Just Desserts shooting]] of 1994.<ref>John McKay, "Toronto co-stars in new TV drama". [[Canadian Press]], March 4, 1999.</ref> [[Mel Lastman]], the real-life [[Mayor of Toronto]] at the time the series aired, made a cameo appearance in the second season as himself,<ref>Sean Fitz-Gerald, "Lastman makes acting debut". ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'', February 5, 2000.</ref> and Toronto radio host [[Howard Glassman|"Humble" Howard Glassman]] was heard in numerous episodes as a radio personality voicing public commentary on events.<ref>"Take a fun ride through The City". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', March 5, 1999.</ref>
The shooting of Strachan in the pilot was based on the real [[Just Desserts shooting]] of 1994.<ref>John McKay, "Toronto co-stars in new TV drama". [[Canadian Press]], March 4, 1999.</ref>


The series premiered in March 1999 with a 13-episode first season,<ref>David Barber, "City folks: Torri Higginson has been dying for the chance to star in a series". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', March 6, 1999.</ref> and then returned in November 1999 with a 20-episode second season.<ref>"The City returns for second season". ''[[Welland Tribune]]'', November 26, 1999.</ref> It was not renewed for a third season.
The series premiered in March 1999 with a 13-episode first season,<ref>David Barber, "City folks: Torri Higginson has been dying for the chance to star in a series". ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'', March 6, 1999.</ref> and then returned in November 1999 with a 20-episode second season.<ref>"The City returns for second season". ''[[Welland Tribune]]'', November 26, 1999.</ref> It was not renewed for a third season.


==Awards==
==Awards==
The show received three [[Gemini Award]] nominations at the [[14th Gemini Awards]] in 1999, for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series ([[Shawn Doyle]], [[Michael Sarrazin]]) and Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series ([[Jan Rubeš]]).<ref>"Major Gemini Awards nominations". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', September 22, 1999.</ref> It won three awards at the [[15th Gemini Awards]] in 2000, for [[Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role|Best Actress in a Drama Series]] (Higginson), Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series ([[Shannon Lawson]]) and Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Geordie Johnson);<ref>"Da Vinci wins 'biggest award'". ''[[Peterborough Examiner]]'', October 31, 2000.</ref> it was also nominated, but did not win, for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series ([[Sheila McCarthy]]) and Best Direction in a Drama Series ([[Jerry Ciccoritti]]).<ref>"Gemini nominations". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', October 29, 2000.</ref>
The show received three [[Gemini Award]] nominations at the [[14th Gemini Awards]] in 1999, for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series ([[Shawn Doyle]], [[Michael Sarrazin]]) and Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series ([[Jan Rubeš]]).<ref>"Major Gemini Awards nominations". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', September 22, 1999.</ref> It won three awards at the [[15th Gemini Awards]] in 2000, for [[Canadian Screen Award for Best Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role|Best Actress in a Drama Series]] (Higginson), Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series ([[Shannon Lawson (actress)|Shannon Lawson]]) and Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Geordie Johnson);<ref>"Da Vinci wins 'biggest award'". ''[[Peterborough Examiner]]'', October 31, 2000.</ref> it was also nominated, but did not win, for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series ([[Sheila McCarthy]]) and Best Direction in a Drama Series ([[Jerry Ciccoritti]]).<ref>"Gemini nominations". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', October 29, 2000.</ref>


==Cast==
==Cast==
*[[Torri Higginson]] as Katharine Strachan Berg, a [[Rosedale (Toronto)|Rosedale]] lawyer
*[[Torri Higginson]] as Katharine Strachan Berg, a [[Rosedale (Toronto)|Rosedale]] lawyer
*[[John Ralston (actor)|John Ralston]] as Jack Berg
*[[John Ralston (actor)|John Ralston]] as Jack Berg
*[[Shannon Lawson]] as Marly Lamarr
*[[Shannon Lawson (actress)|Shannon Lawson]] as Marly Lamarr
*[[Jody Racicot]] as St. Crispin St. James
*[[Jody Racicot]] as St. Crispin St. James
*Matthew Lemche as Strachan Berg
*Matt Lemche as Strachan Berg
*[[Michael Sarrazin]] as Milt
*[[Michael Sarrazin]] as Milt
*[[Madhuri Bhatia]] as Mrs. Socialist
*[[Aidan Devine]] as Father Shane Devlin
*[[Aidan Devine]] as Father Shane Devlin
*[[Robin Brûlé]] as Angie Hart
*[[Robin Brûlé]] as Angie Hart
Line 42: Line 42:
*[[Lorne Cardinal]] as Gabriel
*[[Lorne Cardinal]] as Gabriel
*[[Enuka Okuma]] as Kira
*[[Enuka Okuma]] as Kira

[[Mel Lastman]], the real-life [[Mayor of Toronto]] at the time the series aired, made a cameo appearance in the second season as himself,<ref>Sean Fitz-Gerald, "Lastman makes acting debut". ''[[Ottawa Citizen]]'', February 5, 2000.</ref> and Toronto radio host [[Howard Glassman|"Humble" Howard Glassman]] was heard in numerous episodes as a radio personality voicing public commentary on events.<ref>"Take a fun ride through The City". ''[[Toronto Star]]'', March 5, 1999.</ref>


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
===Season one===
===Season 1 (1999)===
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===Season two===
===Season 2 (1999–2000)===
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{{Portal|Television|Canada}}
{{Portal|Television|Canada}}
* {{IMDb title|0161147}}
* {{IMDb title|0161147}}
* {{tv.com show|the-city-1999|The City}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:City, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:City, The}}
[[Category:CTV Television Network shows]]
[[Category:CTV Television Network original programming]]
[[Category:Canadian television soap operas]]
[[Category:Canadian television soap operas]]
[[Category:1990s Canadian drama television series]]
[[Category:1990s Canadian drama television series]]

Latest revision as of 20:34, 17 December 2023

The City
Created byPierre Sarrazin
Suzette Couture
StarringTorri Higginson
John Ralston
Country of originCanada
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes33
Production
Running time60 minutes
Original release
NetworkCTV
ReleaseMarch 7, 1999 (1999-03-07) –
June 23, 2000 (2000-06-23)

The City is a Canadian television drama series, created by Pierre Sarrazin and Suzette Couture, which aired on CTV from 1999 to 2000.[1]

Set in Toronto, the series starred Torri Higginson as Katharine Strachan Berg, a society wife who gave up her career in law after marrying wealthy real estate developer Jack Berg (John Ralston).[1] When her son Strachan (Matt Lemche) is injured in a shooting in the debut episode, she becomes motivated to return to public life by running for a seat on Toronto City Council, thus drawing her into contact with a diverse ensemble of characters representing many different aspects of the big city beyond the confines of her privileged and affluent Rosedale life.[1] In the show's second season, she has been elected to a council seat, and must navigate the internal workings of Toronto City Hall to advocate for change while also dealing with the breakdown of her marriage.[2]

The series was essentially a prime time soap opera, although Sarrazin rejected that label because of its association with unrealistic and melodramatic plots, and instead compared the show's intentions to socially realistic antecedents such as The Bonfire of the Vanities, Upstairs, Downstairs and the novels of Victor Hugo.[1]

The shooting of Strachan in the pilot was based on the real Just Desserts shooting of 1994.[3]

The series premiered in March 1999 with a 13-episode first season,[4] and then returned in November 1999 with a 20-episode second season.[5] It was not renewed for a third season.

Awards

[edit]

The show received three Gemini Award nominations at the 14th Gemini Awards in 1999, for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Shawn Doyle, Michael Sarrazin) and Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Jan Rubeš).[6] It won three awards at the 15th Gemini Awards in 2000, for Best Actress in a Drama Series (Higginson), Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Shannon Lawson) and Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series (Geordie Johnson);[7] it was also nominated, but did not win, for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series (Sheila McCarthy) and Best Direction in a Drama Series (Jerry Ciccoritti).[8]

Cast

[edit]

Mel Lastman, the real-life Mayor of Toronto at the time the series aired, made a cameo appearance in the second season as himself,[9] and Toronto radio host "Humble" Howard Glassman was heard in numerous episodes as a radio personality voicing public commentary on events.[10]

Episodes

[edit]

Season 1 (1999)

[edit]
# Title Directed by Written by Original air date
1"Joy Ride, Part 1"Richard J. LewisSuzette Couture, Pierre SarrazinMarch 7, 1999 (1999-03-07)
2"Joy Ride, Part 2"Richard J. LewisSuzette Couture, Pierre SarrazinMarch 7, 1999 (1999-03-07)
3"Fire in the Garden"Randy BradshawDavid YoungMarch 9, 1999 (1999-03-09)
4"Confessions"Randy BradshawMaureen McKeonMarch 16, 1999 (1999-03-16)
5"Haunted"Stephen WilliamsDeborah NathanMarch 23, 1999 (1999-03-23)
6"Departures"Allan KingDavid YoungMarch 30, 1999 (1999-03-30)
7"Surviving"Allan KingKaren WaltonApril 6, 1999 (1999-04-06)
8"Obsessions"John L'EcuyerJeremy HoleApril 13, 1999 (1999-04-13)
9"Shadows"John L'EcuyerDeborah NathanApril 20, 1999 (1999-04-20)
10"Blood Sports"Bruce PittmanKaren WaltonApril 27, 1999 (1999-04-27)
11"Thicker Than Water"Bruce PittmanDavid YoungMay 4, 1999 (1999-05-04)
12"Deranged Marriages"Stephen WilliamsKaren WaltonMay 11, 1999 (1999-05-11)
13"It's Cold Out There"Stephen WilliamsSuzette CoutureMay 18, 1999 (1999-05-18)

Season 2 (1999–2000)

[edit]
# Title Directed by Written by Original air date
14"Where the Bodies Are Buried"Steve DiMarcoTom SheridanNovember 26, 1999 (1999-11-26)
15"Town Without Pity"Jerry CiccorittiTom SheridanDecember 3, 1999 (1999-12-03)
16"Means to an End"Allan KingMaureen McKeonDecember 10, 1999 (1999-12-10)
17"Dark Horses"Jerry CiccorittiKaren WaltonDecember 17, 1999 (1999-12-17)
18"Point Counterpoint"Clark JohnsonJeremy HoleJanuary 14, 2000 (2000-01-14)
19"Gorky Parkette"Bruce McDonaldTom SheridanJanuary 21, 2000 (2000-01-21)
20"Out of the Box"UnknownUnknownFebruary 11, 2000 (2000-02-11)
21"The Good, the Bad and the Broke"UnknownUnknownMarch 3, 2000 (2000-03-03)
22"Hungry Hearts"Michael KennedySuzette CoutureMarch 17, 2000 (2000-03-17)
23"Survival of the Fittest"Milan CheylovDeborah NathanMarch 24, 2000 (2000-03-24)
24"Bed Fellows"UnknownUnknownApril 14, 2000 (2000-04-14)
25"My Brother's Keeper"UnknownUnknownApril 24, 2000 (2000-04-24)
26"Motivation"Holly DaleJeremy HoleApril 28, 2000 (2000-04-28)
27"Free Fall"Milan CheylovDavid YoungMay 5, 2000 (2000-05-05)
28"Swing Your Partner"John L'EcuyerGraeme MansonMay 12, 2000 (2000-05-12)
29"Points of Light"Jerry CiccorittiDeborah NathanMay 26, 2000 (2000-05-26)
30"Blindside!"John L'EcuyerAnn MacNaughtonJune 2, 2000 (2000-06-02)
31"Just Like Honey"Bruce McDonaldKaren WaltonJune 9, 2000 (2000-06-09)
32"Sweet Cherub, Part 1"John L'EcuyerJeremy HoleJune 23, 2000 (2000-06-23)
33"Sweet Cherub, Part 2"Steve DiMarcoGraeme Manson, Karen WaltonJune 23, 2000 (2000-06-23)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Tony Atherton, "The City: just don't call it a soap opera: Sprawling series breaks rules for TV drama". Ottawa Citizen, March 6, 1999.
  2. ^ Dana Gee, "There are too many stories in The City". The Province, November 26, 1999.
  3. ^ John McKay, "Toronto co-stars in new TV drama". Canadian Press, March 4, 1999.
  4. ^ David Barber, "City folks: Torri Higginson has been dying for the chance to star in a series". The Globe and Mail, March 6, 1999.
  5. ^ "The City returns for second season". Welland Tribune, November 26, 1999.
  6. ^ "Major Gemini Awards nominations". Toronto Star, September 22, 1999.
  7. ^ "Da Vinci wins 'biggest award'". Peterborough Examiner, October 31, 2000.
  8. ^ "Gemini nominations". Toronto Star, October 29, 2000.
  9. ^ Sean Fitz-Gerald, "Lastman makes acting debut". Ottawa Citizen, February 5, 2000.
  10. ^ "Take a fun ride through The City". Toronto Star, March 5, 1999.
[edit]
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